PETS

Apet(orcompanion animal) is ananimalkept primarily for a person's company or protection, as opposed toworking animals,sport animals,livestock, andlaboratory animals, which are kept primarily for performance, agricultural value, or research.

The most popular pets are noted for their attractive appearances and their loyal or playful personalities.

The most popular pets are likely dogs andcats, but people also keephouse rabbits,ferrets;rodentssuch asgerbils,hamsters,chinchillas,fancy rats, andguinea pigs;avianpets, such ascanaries,parakeets, andparrots; reptile pets, such asturtles,lizardsandsnakes;aquatic pets, such astropical fishandfrogs; andarthropodpets, such astarantulasandhermit crabs.

Some scholars andanimal rightsorganizations have raised concern over pet-keeping with regards to the autonomy ofnonhumananimals.